The primary research strategy of this study was to elicit meaningful answers from
viewers by means of a focus-group procedure; this is a method associated with
qualitative research (see Creswell, 1998; Berg & Lune, 2011) The group consisted of ten
adults, whose visual literacy in terms of narrative films, was described as high (they
frequently watch films at home, or in the theatre). The researcher acted as the
moderator; and a set of semi-structured questions, based on meanings attached to
camera-angle codes as defined by Mascelli, were answered by the participants.
The codification scheme of Mascelli was applied to the unconventional camera angles in
Avatar and The English Patient. These were compared with the viewers’ responses.
Finally, the results were interpreted, in order to establish whether a meaningful
relationship exists between the viewers’ responses and the interpretation of
unconventional camera angles by such a seminal figure as Joseph V. Mascelli. The
literature study focused on a media aesthetic explanation of cinematography, which
included media aesthetics theory, framing, and composition, as well as the general
codes and conventions relevant to cinematography.
The literature overview includes a study of books, academic articles, internet sources,
legislation, and training videos. A Nexus and EbscoHost search (Academic Search
Premier and Jstor) was conducted on cinematography in general, and on camera angles
in particular.
Chapter 5 indicates the viewers’ overall interpretations of the unconventional camera
angles used in Avatar and The English Patient. The graphs in Chapter 5 indicate that
the viewers found the unconventional camera angles used in the films to represent
the meaning of the shots appropriately, and that they understood why each unconventional camera angle had been used. The viewers’ responses correspond
with the meanings of the unconventional camera angles, as stated by Mascelli.
To ensure the effectiveness of a film and the accurate representation of the
meanings of camera angles and camera sizes, the way it is described by Mascelli
should ideally be taken into consideration by all future producers. Mascelli’s
descriptions of camera angles and camera sizes, combined with the media
aesthetics, as described by Zettl – when successfully applied – could lead to the
production of a good quality film and images within the film. / MA (Communication Studies), North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2014
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:netd.ac.za/oai:union.ndltd.org:nwu/oai:dspace.nwu.ac.za:10394/12053 |
| Date | January 2014 |
| Creators | Uys, Carli |
| Source Sets | South African National ETD Portal |
| Language | English |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Thesis |
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